The body has not yet been formally identified but early indications suggest that the discovery relates to our investigation into the disappearance of Georgia Williams.

Supt Nav Malik

Jamie Reynolds, 22, was arrested in Glasgow on Wednesday on suspicion of kidnapping the 17-year-old.

Georgia, whose dad is a detective constable with West Mercia police, had vanished after leaving home three days earlier.

Reynolds, a friend of Georgia, was charged with her murder after a member of the public found a body at 2pm yesterday at the Nant-y-Garth pass near ­Wrexham, north Wales.

A silver Toyota Hiace van which Reynolds drove is being examined.

Detectives said evidence had emerged which suggested the ­student had died at a property in her home town of Wellington, Shrops, 40 miles away.

Reynolds will appear at Telford Magistrate’s Court today.

Supt Nav Malik, who is leading the inquiry, said: “During our enquiries sadly new evidence came to light that proved Georgia was deceased and that she died at an address in Wellington.

“The body has not yet been formally identified but early indications suggest that the discovery relates to our investigation into the disappearance of Georgia Williams.

“Georgia’s family have been kept fully informed of all the recent developments and this has only added to the devastation they are feeling about this week’s events.

“Although all investigations of this nature are extremely difficult, it is fair to say that this case has proved particularly challenging for all the officers and staff involved.”

The police chief explained: “Dealing with events that directly affect a colleague and fellow member of the policing family – especially one that many of us know so well – is unusual and has proved extremely tough and emotional for everyone.”

Earlier in the day a service was held at All Saints Parish Church, Wellington, where 50 friends all lit candles during a 30-minute prayer service for the teenager.

Pals sobbed as pictures of Georgia scrolled through on an overhead projector.

Emma Plumb, 17, said: “I can’t sleep at night because I don’t want there to be bad news when I wake.”

George Garbett, 17, said Georgia was as “bright as a button” when he saw her last Friday and had been excited about going to the Slam Dunk music festival last Monday, which she did not attend.